Controlling anger is a vital part of living a godly life. Today, we’ll explore how Scripture guides us to practice patience and self-control in difficult situations.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Angles
What Does The Bible Say About Anger Self Control
Proverbs 14:29
“Whoever is slow to anger has great understanding, but he who has a hasty temper exalts folly.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of self-control in managing anger. It highlights that those who can control their temper demonstrate wisdom and understanding.
On the other hand, those who have a quick and easily provoked anger tend to act foolishly and make rash decisions.
Ephesians 4:26
“Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger.”
This verse acknowledges that anger is a natural emotion but warns against allowing it to lead to sinful behavior.
It encourages believers to address and resolve their anger before the day ends, promoting forgiveness, reconciliation, and avoiding bitterness.
James 1:19-20
“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.”
These verses instruct believers to be mindful of their reactions when faced with provocation. It advises listening attentively, being slow to respond, and avoiding hasty anger.
It explains that human anger does not align with God’s righteousness and, therefore, prompts believers to exercise self-control to reflect God’s character.
Proverbs 15:1
“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
This verse highlights the power of gentle and kind words in diffusing anger and resolving conflicts.
It cautions against responding with harsh words, which can escalate anger and worsen the situation.
Colossians 3:8
“But now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and obscene talk from your mouth.”
This verse encourages believers to renounce and remove anger and related negative behaviors from their lives.
It emphasizes the importance of controlling one’s speech, ensuring that it is void of anger, malice, slander, and impure language.
Proverbs 16:32
“Whoever is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city.”
This verse praises the strength exhibited by individuals who exhibit self-control and are slow to anger.
It suggests that the ability to rule one’s own emotions is a greater achievement than conquering physical challenges.
Galatians 5:22-23
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things, there is no law.”
These verses highlight self-control as one of the fruits of the Holy Spirit’s work within believers.
It reminds Christians that self-control is a key aspect of their spiritual growth and transformation.
Proverbs 19:11
“Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”
This verse emphasizes the value of wisdom in managing anger. It suggests that those with good sense are patient and slow to become angry.
Additionally, it highlights the virtue of forgiveness by stating that it brings glory to overlook offenses instead of harboring anger.
Titus 1:7
“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain.”
These verses emphasize the importance of self-control, particularly for those in leadership positions within the church.
It lists various negative behaviors, including being quick-tempered, that should not be characteristic of church leaders who serve as God’s stewards.
Proverbs 29:11
“A fool gives full vent to his spirit, but a wise man quietly holds it back.”
This verse contrasts the behavior of a fool who releases anger freely and the wise person who exercises restraint.
It encourages individuals to exercise self-control by not allowing their anger to dictate their actions.
1 Peter 5:7-8
“Casting all your anxieties on him because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.”
These verses urge believers to rely on God and cast their worries and anxieties upon Him.
It also advises Christians to be vigilant and alert, recognizing that uncontrolled anger can leave them vulnerable to the schemes of the devil.
Matthew 5:22
“But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire.”
This verse highlights the severity of uncontrolled anger and the consequences associated with it.
It emphasizes the need for believers to manage their anger, as it can lead to harmful words and actions.
Proverbs 22:24-25
“Make no friendship with a man given to anger, nor go with a wrathful man, lest you learn his ways and entangle yourself in a snare.”
These verses caution against forming close relationships with individuals who have a reputation for anger and quick-temperedness.
It warns that being around such people can influence one’s behavior and become a trap.
Proverbs 25:28
“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.”
This verse portrays the importance of self-control by comparing it to the security of a city with strong walls that protect against invasion.
It suggests that lacking self-control can lead to vulnerability and chaos in a person’s life.
1 Timothy 3:3
“Not a drunkard, not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome, not a lover of money.”
This verse describes the qualities of an overseer in the church, highlighting the importance of self-control.
It emphasizes that leaders should not be violent or prone to quarreling and should exhibit gentleness and a healthy relationship with money.
Proverbs 12:16
“The vexation of a fool is known at once, but the prudent ignores an insult.”
This verse contrasts the reactions of a foolish person who shows immediate anger when offended and a wise individual who overlooks insults.
It encourages believers to exercise prudence by choosing not to react impulsively to every insult they encounter.
Proverbs 17:14
“The beginning of strife is like letting out water, so quit before the quarrel breaks out.”
This verse advises individuals to exercise self-control by avoiding conflicts before they escalate.
It uses the analogy of water seeping through a small crack, emphasizing the need to address disagreements before they become uncontrollable.
Proverbs 29:22
“A man of wrath stirs up strife, and one given to anger causes much transgression.”
This verse highlights the role anger plays in promoting strife and leading to various sins.
It warns against being easily angered, as it can lead to a multitude of wrongdoings.
Galatians 5:19-21
“Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these. I warn you, as I warned you before, that those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.”
These verses list various sinful behaviors, including fits of anger, which are seen as works of the flesh.
It serves as a warning that ongoing uncontrolled anger can hinder one’s spiritual inheritance in God’s kingdom.
Psalm 37:8-9
“Refrain from anger, and forsake wrath! Fret not yourself; it tends only to evil. For the evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for the Lord shall inherit the land.”
This psalm encourages individuals to restrain anger and avoid becoming consumed by wrath.
It assures believers that those who trust in the Lord and exhibit self-control will ultimately receive their inheritance.
Proverbs 14:17
“A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.”
This verse highlights the negative consequences of quick-temperedness and devising evil plans.
It underscores the importance of self-control by contrasting it with impulsive and foolish behavior.
Psalm 4:4
“Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds, and be silent. Selah”
This psalm acknowledges the experience of anger but urges followers of the Lord not to let it lead to sin.
It recommends taking time for introspection and reflection before responding, emphasizing the value of silence in self-control.
Proverbs 21:19
“It is better to live in a desert land than with a quarrelsome and fretful woman.”
This verse highlights the negative impact of being in close proximity to someone who is argumentative and prone to anxiety.
It suggests that living in a desolate land is preferable to being constantly engaged with someone who lacks self-control.
James 3:14-16
“But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth… For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.”
These verses caution against harboring bitterness, jealousy, and selfish motives, as they lead to disorder and vile behavior.
It recommends cultivating self-control in order to counteract these negative attitudes and their consequences.
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
This verse, commonly known as the Golden Rule, teaches believers to treat others with kindness and respect.
It encourages self-control by reminding individuals to respond to others as they would like to be treated, even in the face of anger or offense.